THE ADVANCE OF CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURE AND THE CHANGES IN THE INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM IN THE TOLDO GUARANI COMMUNITY/RS: A POSSIBLE TRANSITION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This paper analyzes the changes that have occurred in the Toldo Guarani indigenous territory, especially by the advance of intensified conventional agriculture in the 1980s. It examines the reasons for the introduction of conventional production and investigates its characteristics, conducting a participatory diagnosis of its economic implications and for the indigenous way of life. The objective is to provide support to the community to mitigate the effects of this agriculture based on the agrochemical paradigm. The research methodology is diverse: it is based on bibliographic and documentary analysis, participatory research, and includes information obtained through interviews with representatives of organizations (public and civil society) located in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The results reveal that there is a relationship between the territorial changes that occurred in the originally demarcated indigenous territory and the adoption of westernized agricultural practices. The environmental compensation policy currently being implemented in the territory and the community's intention to promote practices based on the principles of sustainability have pointed out possible paths for an agroecological transition in the Tekoá Toldo Guarani.